NYC Council Scholarships Empower CUNY Social Work Masters Students

CUNY Social Work Scholarship Program

• 💡 A new NYC Council program is providing scholarships to CUNY students pursuing their master's degrees in social work.
• 🎯 The initiative aims to address a shortage of social workers in city agencies and nonprofits.

Impact on Students

• 🚀 Scholarship recipient Marquita Mitchell, a full-time hospital worker and single mother, is pursuing her MSW at York College, inspired by her daughter's special needs.
• 🌟 The funding helps students like Mitchell overcome financial barriers, allowing them to pursue their calling without accumulating significant debt.
• ✅ Kendra Hardy, another recipient, graduated and became a supervisor with special services for senior citizens, demonstrating the program's success in supporting vulnerable New Yorkers.

Program Success and Reach

• 📊 The scholarship has awarded over $240,000 to more than 40 recipients at York College.
• 🧠 York College's night and weekend classes cater to non-traditional students, including heads of households who must balance work and education.
• 💬 The program is described as successful in connecting professionals with those who need services the most, fulfilling the council's intention.

Personal Triumphs and Future

• 🎭 Marquita Mitchell sees her pursuit of a degree as setting a positive example for her daughter, Yakovia.
• 🎓 Yakovia, inspired by her mother, is now teaching students with autism, highlighting a ripple effect of educational empowerment.
• 💖 Recipients like Hardy express fulfillment, stating they are living their dreams and supporting vulnerable populations.